Welcome back to the Service Course Report—your weekly deep dive into cycling culture, gravel adventure, pro racing news, and the stories shaping the sport. In this episode, Ed, Kurt, and Derin break down a packed week on (and off) the bike with a mix of storytelling, tech talk, and honest conversation about where cycling is headed.
We kick things off with a ride recap from the Pismo Preserve, one of the most scenic gravel and mixed-terrain spots in California. The guys talk trail conditions, climb profiles, equipment choices, and why this preserve has become a destination for gravel riders, mountain bikers, and anyone looking for a fast, fun coastal loop.
From there, we dive into one of the most important—and controversial—topics in modern cycling: e-bikes. We cover Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike differences, trail access rules, safety concerns, speed management, and how e-bikes are changing the way cyclists, hikers, and land managers interact. As e-bikes continue to grow in gravel, MTB, and urban riding, clear communication and shared trail etiquette are more important than ever.
Next, we turn to the long shadow of doping in cycling. Ed, Kurt, and Derin unpack how past generations still influence the present, what accountability could look like today, and why sponsors often land in tough ethical dilemmas when supporting athletes and teams. The conversation digs into how the sport can acknowledge its past while building a healthier, more transparent culture.
The crew also explores the rise of new American pro cycling teams, why the U.S. racing scene feels more energized, and how team dynamics, sponsorship structures, and athlete development are shifting. There’s a sense that U.S. cycling is entering a new era—and the guys break down what that could mean for the future.
And yes… we get into the big rumor: Keegan Swenson potentially moving to Specialized. What would that mean for gravel racing? For athlete sponsorship wars? For off-road dominance in the U.S.? Whether you follow gravel casually or obsessively, this move could shake things up.
Throughout the episode, one theme keeps surfacing: cycling—road, gravel, mountain biking, or e-bikes—depends on community. Trail access, safety, sponsorship, racing, and culture all work better when riders communicate, respect each other, and stay involved.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone who loves riding and cares about where the sport is going.
Chapters
(00:00:00) - Service Course Report Podcast(00:07:23) - Bicycle Bells on Canyon Trails(00:12:13) - E-Bikes in Santa Barbara(00:19:38) - E-Bikes and Wheelie Culture(00:25:18) - Ebikes on San Diego Bike Path(00:26:25) - Back in the Day: Working Out With a Walkman(00:30:45) - Bob and James on Their Walkmans(00:36:21) - Winter is always an interesting time for pro cycling(00:36:58) - Pro Cycling: Lance Armstrong's New Team(00:45:25) - Steve Lawrence on Lance Armstrong's doping story(00:50:07) - Chris Carmichael on the current state of cycling(00:55:56) - Race sponsors on Factor Cycling(00:58:14) - Keegan Swenson Reportedly Moving to Specialized(01:03:47) - Keegan's Specialized Deal

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